Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me… Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
I think of this comforting Bible verse often. It was a favorite of my father. He was one of my heroes. I remember him reciting this and other comforting biblical verses over the years. In the times in which we find ourselves today, we need such comfort. It’s only been a few weeks since we began to live in our new reality, staying at home while we continue to connect with each other in nonphysical ways. For many of us, this new reality involves special stresses which come from integrating our personal lives and our work lives in new ways… creating home offices, finding spaces to be alone, finding new rhythms to connect with loved ones. For others of us, this can be a very lonely time, as the only connection we have with others is through a phone, or computer, and we grieve the loss of human touch.
In our communities and in our church family, many of us are beginning to see significant strains emerge – lost jobs, lost incomes, loneliness, isolation. But in the midst of all of this, God’s word shines through.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me… Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
What does it look like for the church to be the church – that institution about which our Lord Jesus Christ said (and I paraphrase)… I will build my church on the rock which represents the truth that Jesus is Lord – that He is the comforter – that He is love – and we know that there is no fear in love.
In this time of significant dislocation, where many of us, in our families, in our communities and in our local congregations are in pain, we rest on the rock of Christ as Lord.
Let me close by sharing with you some words prepared by missionaries and staff of Resonate Global Mission – comfort in a time of crisis. May these reflections encourage and strengthen you.
Prayer:
God who walks with us through all of our valleys – uplift us as we walk through rough pastures
God who promises us that though we will have trouble in this world – you have overcome the world
God who knows all, sees all, and cares for all – lift up our heads that we may see you clearly
God who even conquered death – comfort and walk with us through fear, sickness, and lament
God of all hope – fill us with hope, and comfort us that we will be able to comfort others
Amen